Valve Collision
 

I have an 89 LX with a 2.3L in it. If my timing belt were to slip and skip a couple notches on my cam gear could that cause valve collision and result in a ticking noise? I ask because since I got the car about 2 months ago it's been producing a very noticeable tick coming from under the hood. It sounds like a metal on metal sound and is definitely not an exhaust leak. I also have changed the cam and hydraulic lifters and currently have fresh 10W30 in it with oil treatment. The car consistently holds normal oil pressure and temp and everything else however my idle has been getting progressively rougher and sometimes will even stall. Any suggestions are much appreciated

You might want to check with your dealer. I believe there is a Technical Service Bulletin on the 2.3 for a tapping. I don't know what it says, but I do know that they are suggesting piston replacement.

Get a copy from the dealer!

Thanks Tom. I'll definitely do that